What defines a 'varietal' wine?

A 'varietal' wine is defined as a wine made from a single grape variety. This means that at least 85% of the wine must come from the named grape variety, allowing the unique characteristics and flavors of that grape to be clearly expressed in the final product. This focus on a single grape variety enables consumers to understand and appreciate the specific traits that the grape imparts to the wine, including its flavor profile, aroma, and texture.

The other options describe characteristics that do not align with the definition of varietal wine. For instance, a blend of grapes falls under a different category of wine and does not emphasize a single varietal. Additionally, a wine that is produced in a specific region may refer to geographical indications rather than grape composition. Lastly, significant oak influence pertains to the winemaking process and aging rather than the grape variety itself. Each of these points highlights the importance of grape variety in defining a varietal wine, distinguishing it from other types of wines that may be blends, regionally focused, or influenced by barrel aging.